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Italian journalist climbs Mount Elbrus, asks Putin for Russian citizenship

Velimir Tomovic emphasized that he shares "Russian spiritual, national, and traditional values"

MOSCOW, June 25. /TASS/. Upon summitting Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in all Europe, independent Italian journalist Velimir Tomovic asked Vladimir Putin if he could become a Russian citizen.

"I am not a climber, but a simple independent Italian journalist who decided to dedicate this difficult ascent to friendship and cooperation between Russia and Italy," the journalist said in a recorded video message. He emphasized that he shares "Russian spiritual, national, and traditional values."

"I respect Russian culture and the people living in the country, I have made many friends here, including through the World Festival of Youth. That is why from here, from the ‘roof’ of Europe, I ask you to do me the honor of granting me Russian citizenship and helping me become a worthy citizen of this great country," Tomovic said.

In a written message to TASS, the journalist said that his ascent of Mount Elbrus was preceded by several days of preparation, including a training program that involved a hike to Mount Cheget, where the climb went from about 2,100 to 3,100 meters.

In addition, he said they departed from a camp in the national park located at an altitude of 3,800 meters and went up to the Pastukhov Rocks, which are around 4,700 meters above sea level. He added that it was really difficult, with temperatures dropping to minus 15 degrees Celsius.

Tomovic has many years of experience working as an independent European journalist. He was a student of renowned Italian journalist, publicist, political and public figure Giulietto Chiesa.

In 2024, he took part in the World Festival of Youth in Russia’s Black Sea resort city of Sochi and is planning to attend the International Festival of Youth in Yekaterinburg in September.

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